What to expect in a Polling Station
You’re registered to vote, polling day arrives and it’s your first time voting! You might feel a little nervous about it so here’s our quick guide to what to expect and how straight-forward it is!
Before election day, you should have received your Poll Card through the post notifying you of the date of the election. Not receiving a Poll Card could mean that you aren’t registered to vote or, if you’re a student, your Poll Card could have gone to your home address. Your Poll Card will include some important information and which Polling Station you need to go to. These can be schools, community centres or church halls that are being used just for the day, it is important that you do attend the right Polling Station and don’t just turn up to another one expecting to vote. Polling Stations are open between 7am and 10pm on the day of the election. Every Polling Station is different, but you can expect it to be a little busier at peak times of the day: some people like to vote early on their way to work, some will pop out at lunchtime whilst others may go when they collect children from school. 18
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When you arrive at a Polling Station, there may be people with clipboards and party rosettes standing outside. These people are called Tellers. They might just say hello to you as you go in, but they will be more interested to speak to you on the way out. After you have voted, they will ask you what your Voter Number is if you have your Poll Card with you and which candidate you voted for. You do not have to tell them, voting in the UK is private. This information can be where political parties get their ‘Exit Poll’ results. Inside the Polling Station, you will be greeted by the small team, usually 2 or 3 people, who are running the station. They will be sitting at a desk and they will ask you either what your Voter Number is if you have your Poll Card with you or what street you live in, and your full name. When they find your name on the list, they will issue you with a ballot paper.
